QMI Agency

Justin Bourque, 24, pleaded guilty Friday to murdering three Mounties and trying to kill two others during a shooting spree that put the city of Moncton, N.B., on lockdown for two days in June.

The Moncton resident was expected to face trial by judge and jury before entering the surprise plea in Moncton court.

He pleaded guilty to three counts of first-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder.

Pallbearers carry the casket of one of three Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers who were killed last week during a regimental funeral in Moncton, New Brunswick, June 10, 2014. (REUTERS/Mark Blinch)